Harvard MGH/McLean Psychiatry Resident | Step 2 CK: 272 | Tutor

Rafae A.

Wholeheartedly Recommend Rafae to Any Student

Working with Rafae was one of the most grounding and growth-oriented parts of my Step 1 journey. He wasn’t just a tutor who led with his score—he led with curiosity, compassion, and a deep understanding of what makes students tick. From the start, he took time to understand how I think, how I learn, and what I was up against. Our sessions weren’t cookie-cutter. Rafae adapted to my needs as they evolved—from drilling diabetes pharmacology and the autonomic nervous system to walking me through high-yield cardiac concepts and tough question blocks. I appreciated that he recorded our sessions so I could revisit tricky explanations. His visual teaching style made physiology and pharmacology finally click for me, primarily through the use of diagrams and simplified mechanisms. What stood out most was Rafae’s ability to integrate the human side of test prep. He consistently checked in on my mental bandwidth, sleep, allergies, and even exercise, reminding me that attending yoga was part of my studying. That mindset shift helped me avoid burnout and maintain momentum when I felt stuck otherwise. Rafae was always on time, respectful of my schedule, and willing to extend sessions or pivot formats to meet my needs. When financial constraints meant I had to pause tutoring, he still sent a kind message with next steps and well wishes—something that meant more than he probably knows. If I could offer one piece of feedback for future students: Rafae often asked me to guide the session agenda or identify gaps, which gave me ownership but sometimes left me unsure of what to prioritize. Students who already know what they need will thrive with that flexibility. Those who feel overwhelmed may benefit from explicitly asking Rafae to take the lead in structuring the plan. In my case, once I voiced this, our sessions became even more productive. I wholeheartedly recommend Rafae to any student who wants more than just a facts-on-a-slide tutor. He sees the whole student, adapts to your learning style, and stays in your corner—even after the sessions end.

Tiana, 9 lessons with Rafae

Knowledgable and Supportive Tutor

I highly recommend Rafae as a tutor! He is extremely knowledgeable and always takes the time to explain concepts thoroughly, making it easier to understand. What sets him apart is how supportive and approachable he is. He is always available to answer questions, clarify difficult topics, and provide encouragement when it’s needed most. His advice for exam strategy is practical and insightful which has helped me feel much more confident in my preparation. He tailors each session to your individual needs, ensuring that you get the most out of your time. Rafae truly goes above and beyond for his students!

Maryam, 16 lessons with Rafae

Very Knowledgable with explaining USMLE/COMLEX Neurology

Rafae is incredibly knowledgeable when it came to neurology while studying for my COMLEX exam. He has a unique ability to take dense, high-yield neuro topics—like lesion localization—and explain it in a clear, digestible way. His teaching style is structured yet flexible and always tailored to my pace and learning style. What stood out most was his patience. Even when I struggled with particularly tough neuro concepts, Rafae took the time to ensure I truly understood the material rather than just memorizing facts. His explanations helped me see patterns in neuro questions and boosted my confidence significantly in that section. If you’re looking for someone who can simplify complex neurology content and help you feel well-prepared for both USMLE and COMLEX, I highly recommend Rafae!

Carolyn, 4 lessons with Rafae